Managing Life - Threatening Allergies in School
Allergy Basics • The role of the immune system is to protect the body from germs and disease • An allergic reaction is an abnormal response of the immune system to contact with a substance (the allergen) • When an allergen (food, bee sting, etc.) is encountered, the immune system reacts as if the substance is harmful and releases histamine and other chemicals to “att a ck” t he enemy
Allergy Facts • Food allergies affect about 2 million children • 25% of food reactions are first-time reactions • Most food reactions occur from classroom food used in projects or for parties • Allergens can be in non-food items: soaps, shampoos, bee stings, medications, pet foods and bedding, or latex • There is no way to predict the severity of an allergic reaction • All allergic reactions must be taken seriously
Symptoms of a Lif e-Threate ning Allerg y • Symptoms may appear within seconds following or even hours after the exposure to the allergen • You may see some or all of the following: – Tingling sensation in the mouth – Swelling of the lips, tongue and throat – Difficulty breathing – Hives – Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps – Loss of consciousness
If a Reaction Occurs: Recognize, React, Review Immediately Activate the Emergency Action Plan in the Student’s IHP! • Recognize the symptoms • React quickly. Immediately call the nurse or trained delegate to administer the stu dent’s epinephrine/ emergency medication; When calling, state the name of the student, what the emergency is, and the stud ent’s location • Review what caused the reaction and how well the emergency plan worked
Be Prepared for an Allergic Reaction • Be familiar with the studen t’s Individuali zed Healthcare Plan (what they are allergic to, the signs and symptoms of a reaction, and what to do) • Emergency medications must be immediately available at all times • Know location of medication and who to contact to administer them (on IHP). • Teache r’s “sub pla n s” to include this info
Strategies to Minimize Risk of Reactions • Clean hands and eating surfaces before and after eating or handling food • Create “s afe eating zon e” for the student • Alert classma te’s parents that a student in the class has a severe allergy without naming the student • Plan for safe parties or school celebrations; notify parents of affected children in advance in order to provide safe choices and alternatives • Avoid using food or allergen in the classroom art/craft project, or as an incentive • Prohibit food sharing and trading
Vigilant Label Reading • Read every label every time – Formulations change without warning • Do not rely on “sa fe lists ” found on web
Careful Food Handling/ Preparation • Wash hands, cooking utensils, and food eating/preparation surfaces to avoid reactions from trace amounts of proteins • Use liquid soap, bar soap, or commercial wipes for hands, NOT antibacterial sanitizers • Use dishwashing detergent and hot water for cooking utensils and cutting boards • Use common household cleaners for counters, tables, desks and other surfaces
Epinephrine Auto- inje ctors (Student’s Emergency Medication) • Auto-injectors (Epi-Pen, Twinject) are designed to use quickly and easily • Each auto-injector is stored in a plastic container that protects against UV light • Auto-injectors should be stored at room temperature in a dark place and be readily accessible in an emergency • The school nurse and designated delegate may administer it, as well as the student (if authorized to sel f - administer)
School’s Responsibility • Create an environment where children with allergies will be safe • Employ prevention and avoidance strategies • Address teasing and protect confidentiality • Practice the Life-threatening Allergy Plan before a reaction occurs • Ensure that the transportation department is involved in ch ild’s plan (if taking a school bus) • Plan for field trips • Ensure that a properly trained person is always available for child in case of a reaction (emergency administration of epinephrine via auto-injector)
Family’s Responsibility • Provide written medical documentation • Work with the school to develop a plan • Provide properly labeled medications and replace after use or when expired • Keep emergency contact information current • Teach the child age-appropriate self- management skills
Student’s Responsibility • Should not trade food with others • Should not eat anything with unknown ingredients or known to contain an allergen • Should notify an adult immediately if they suspect an allergen has been ingested, or that they have been exposed to an allergen
What to Do • Read the stu dent’s Emerge ncy Action Plan in IHP • Call the school nurse • When in doubt and the nurse is unavailable, call 911
•This informa tion and more can be located at www.foodallergy.org (the Food Allergy Network) or ask your School Nurse
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